16 - ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTSItem No. 16
memorandum
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: John Godwin, City Manager
SUBJECT: ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS
DATE: June 2, 2016
BACKGROUND: As we have done the last couple of years, we are beginning our budget
preparation cycle with annual reports on each of our departments. This provides the council an
opportunity to learn what the departments are working on, what their major needs are, and any
special issues they face as we plan for the future. These priorities and needs in turn determine
our budget, instead of a long list of tedious line items. It also helps us think in terms of multiple
years, which is crucial to managing an efficient and effective overall budget and organization.
STATUS OF ISSUE: Public Works, Engineering, Utilities, and Finance will present their
reports on June 13. In addition we will receive a presentation about the previously discussed
public information office as part of the Finance presentation. We will address EMS, Police, Fire,
and Library on June 27.
BUDGET: NA.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion only.
memorandum
TO: City Council
John Godwin, City Manager
FROM: Gene Anderson, Finance Director
SUBJECT: PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL, & GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS CHANNEL (PEG)
AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)
DATE: June 3, 2016
BACKGROUND: Historically cable franchises were granted by local governments where a fee
was collected for the use of the city's right -of -way. In 2005, the state legislature allowed cable
companies to bypass local control by setting up a state - issued certificate of franchise authority. In
the City of Paris' case, the cable company did not invoke their right to a state issued franchise until
the local franchise expired at the end of 2009. At that point, the state franchise legislation applied to
the City of Paris. In addition to the 5% franchise fee allowed under the state franchise fee, the City
could also collect a I% fee for the purpose providing public, educational, and governmental
programming to citizens. While the State law imposed no restrictions on the type of expenditures
made from PEG funds, federal law dictates that this 1% fee can only be spent for capital items.
Under the state franchise, the City can require Suddenlink Communications to provide the City with
up to 2 PEG channels. The City would be required to provide at least 8 hours of programming each
day on a PEG channel.
STATUS OF ISSUE: Beginning in 2010, the City opted to collect this 1% fee for PEG purposes.
Information accompanying this memo outlines potential uses of a City PEG channel. The
underlying motivation for PEG channels is the transparency and easy access to local government.
The Council was given a presentation on the benefits of a PEG channel at the October 12, 2015 and
February 8, 2016 Council meetings.
BUDGET: The PEG franchise fee will more than provide all of the equipment needed for the City
to develop its own programming. It would also provide funds to renovate the unused area above the
Council chambers to serve as a studio and production space. Funding for one full time employee
and other operational expenses would have to be provided for by the City. The staff believes that
enough local interest can be generated to make the program self - sufficient through sponsorships
and advertising.
RECOMMENDATION: City staff is seeking the Council's approval of a pilot project to see if the
program can become self - sufficient. The program would be reevaluated periodically for its ability
to sustain itself financially.
ANNUAL REPORTS /BUDGET NEEDS SUMMARY LIST
Public Works
Lake Crook road /bridge
Drainage
Road maintainer
Garbage truck
Parks & drainage employee
Pool improvements
Parks plan; soccer, et al in West Paris
Utilities
Increased cost for USACE 0 &M
New headworks /mechanical bar screen
Replacement of basement flooring
Replace two transfer pump valves.
Surface coating for the 2.0 million gallon ground storage tank and the backwash tower at WTP
Rebuild one pump at ground storage; rebuild two sludge transfer pumps; replace filter surface pump
Rebuild pumps at Campbell's and Woodard lift stations
Rebuild pumps and replace valves at the flow equalization basin.
Engineering
ADA transition plan
International Property Management Code
Other codes, construction standards, standardized contracts
Development review committee
Permitting fees
Airport hangar
Downtown improvements
Finance
City hall renovations /repairs
Public information office /PEG funds
EMS
Architect for station design
Library
Roof
Artwork
Fire
Fire engines debt service
Fire bunker gear and SCBA
Firefighter workweek pay
Code mowing
Repair loan program
Police
Security cameras
Body cameras
Murder investigation training
0.5 FTE police video tech
Canine unit
Third narcotics officer
Animal control initiatives
Exterior of Police & Courts building